by Park Ambassador Peter Lumb

Recenty APA highlighted the wetlands work under way in the southern portion of Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16).

Now, similar works are under way further west in the Park that I love the most, Blue Gum Park / Kurangga (Park 20).

Trees and under-storey are sprouting new shoots. They are bursting with life and often show a lighter shade of green, following a wet winter and moderate spring so far.

But running north-south metal temporary fencing has also sprouted, in jarring contrasting orange.

Where tall trees stood a few weeks ago, there’s now a gap in the landscape.

Heavy machinery has cages in which to live overnight and they noisily roam the Park by day.

Goodness knows where the possums are living during all this mayhem. How many of the birds have managed to find new territories in other locations, or do they too also suffer from homelessness when lives are disrupted?

The current state of Blue Gum Park / Kurangga (Park 20) is a far cry from what we are told will be the result of all these works; a new wetland and widened creek beds with increased biodiversity

In the nearby Parks 17, 18 and 19 spring has sprung in all its fullness and the Park Lands Creek on the eastern side of Unley Road looks established, verdant and beautiful. The banks have been laid back, trees planted and thousands of grasses and under-storey plants are now thriving.

The Storm Water Project People who plan and work on these plans it seems to me have the know how to create attractive and sustainable landscapes using plants grown from local seeds.

A recent update from the Brownhill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project advises:

"The works are expected to take about 10 months. During this time, there will be periods when works will be scaled down, such as during the summer months, to accommodate increased visitation and activities in the area. Planting of shrubs and trees will be undertaken when temperatures are suitable to give the new landscaping the best chance of establishment."

I’m expecting the mayhem in Park 20 will, within a couple of years have faded from my memory and there will be more Australian native birds than ever and more possums living contented lives in an aesthetically pleasing, sustainable biodiverse open green Park. In the meantime I have to find a different Park with a different circuit for my morning walks.

Read more about both new wetlands projects here: https://bhkcstormwater.com.au/stormwater-management-in-the-south-park-lands/